DISP stands for Defence Industry Security Program. It is managed by the Defence Industry Security Office (DISO) and supports Australian businesses in understanding and fulfilling their security obligations when engaging in Defence projects, contracts, and tenders. The program offers access to Defence security advice and support services, helps businesses better understand and manage security risks, and provides confidence to Defence and other government entities when procuring goods and services from industry members.

DISP membership is open to any Australian business seeking to be part of the Defence industry supply chain. In some instances, depending on the nature of work undertaken with Defence or contractual requirements, DISP membership may be mandatory. While only required in some circumstances, it is highly recommended for businesses currently involved in Defence projects or seeking to partner with Defence. DISP offers four membership levels that can be customised to suit the organisation’s needs.

DISP membership is mandatory under the following circumstances: when working with classified information or assets, when storing or transporting weapons or explosive ordnance, when providing security services for Defence bases or facilities, and if the contract requires DISP membership due to Defence business requirements.

DISP offers four membership levels corresponding to different security classifications:

• Entry Level: OFFICIAL/OFFICIAL: Sensitive
• Level 1: PROTECTED
• Level 2: SECRET
• Level 3: TOP SECRET

The DISP security categories encompass:

• Security Governance
• Personnel Security
• Physical Security
• Information & Cyber Security

To apply for DISP membership, familiarise yourself with the Defence Security Principles Framework (DSPF), Australian Government security clearances, and the Defence Industry Security Program Policy Control 16.1 DISP. The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) handles security clearance processing, including for Defence and defence industry. Refer to the AGSVA website for information on the security clearance vetting process and eligibility.

The processing time for DISP membership depends on the desired level. Typically, it takes 2-3 months for Entry Level membership (assuming all required clearances and certifications are in place) and 4-6 months for Level 1, 2, and 3 memberships (with all necessary clearances, certifications, and accreditations).

DISP members can request an upgrade or downgrade of membership levels based on their business requirements or contractual obligations.

As a Level 3 DISP member, PAC can assist you in determining the appropriate membership level ​and provide gap analysis, implementation support, and ongoing compliance support​. Our solutions are tailored to ensure compliance across all four security categories and required levels​. We translate the Government requirements and how they apply to your business. In consultation with you, we develop and document compliant working-level implementations​.

There is no direct cost associated with DISP membership, meaning there is no membership fee. However, businesses are responsible for implementing and maintaining security measures to meet the initial and ongoing requirements of DISP membership, which will incur associated costs. These costs could include physical security upgrades to facilities, personnel security clearances, and staff time to develop and document the working-level implementation. PAC offers to identify the gap and quantify the effort required for the various membership levels, reducing your risk in planning a way forward.

Once your application is submitted, a processing officer will assess it. As part of the assessment process, you will be required to participate in two assurance activities: an entry assessment and a cyber security assessment questionnaire. If DISP identifies any additional requirements or gaps during the assessment, they will be communicated to you, and your processing officer will assist in identifying and implementing solutions.

PAC wants to ensure your DISP application is right the first time. We will assist in coaching your Chief Security Officer and Security Officer(s) to guarantee compliance via the working-level processes, providing health checks before quarterly and annual assessments. In addition, we will also provide on-call support for incident response.